Holiday Blends That Will Impress

I have found that most recipes I try just once, become a sort of "staple" to my future list of favorites. The following two recipes are always a successful hit. They are simple to prepare and relatively inexpensive. One recipe is for eggnogg and the other is a traditional Caribbean Sorrel (made from the red Sorrel leaf) beverage punch that I can't get enough of.

With the holidays approaching, I'm sure many are looking for a new way to impress their family and guests. I don't think they'll be disappointed. I am not the original creator of these recipes, yet I feel they are my own because I tend to revise most recipes I inherit and thereby make them my own!

Some things never change, and in this instance I am anxious, once again, to prepare my two favorite drinks. I'm not sure how but I plan to add little new touches to make them even better.

I'll keep you posted for sure!

Now I am aware that there are many different recipes for eggnog. Most are similar in the making, but I got this recipe from an excellent cook who worked in my former employee cafeteria. We had an ongoing "cooking" relationship and he consistently shared recipes with me.

I am not really good at measuring, so you'll forgive me for any possible inaccuracies. Also, this is not made from scratch, so if that is how you prepare yours, you would add the following ingredients to it.

3-4 quarts of eggnog (Turkey HIll, Borden, Jack Daniels)

1 pint of vanilla ice cream

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. nutmeg

1/2 pint of white rum (optional)

2 tbsp. shaved cheddar cheese

Blend all of the ingredients well into a large punch bowl. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top.

This is a favorite drink among the Jamaica and Trinidad Islands. However, many in America are familiar with this drink, especially if they have friends from these two beautiful countries. I was introduced to this delicious punch many years ago and it is always such a hit. Sorrel is a fruity leaf when boiled its contents make this holiday hit. Look in the ethnic fruit and vegetables markets to find the sorrel.

1-2 bags of dried sorrel

cloves

brown sugar

rum or elderberry wine (optional, but usually ALWAYS included)

Decorative toppings such as berries and oranges are optional but pretty!

Boil the sorrel leaves in a large pot of water. Make sure the water is very red, having extracted all the sorrel from their leaves. Put to the side and let sit overnight.

Carefully strain the sorrel, making sure there are no leaves left in the liquid. Then add cloves, brown sugar and rum or wine to your desired taste. Sit in serving pictures or empty beverage containers and place in refrigerator to chill.

When ready to serve, place into a beautiful punch bowl. Serve in the glass punch cups or any beautiful glass.

This is such a wonderful punch. If you add the rum, before doing so, put some aside in a separate container for the children - they love this drink too!

Already I have watched the traditional movie "Christmas Carol" about four times. After their Christmas dinner, Bob Cratchit was pouring the warm holiday punch. With this recipe, put a small amount aside and try warming it and make ready for that special someone coming in from the cold.

Just a thought...in any case, mix up and enjoy. You might find that you have not made enough!